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Synonyms

cite

1 American  
[sahyt] / saɪt /

verb (used with object)

cited, citing
  1. to quote (a passage, book, author, etc.), especially as an authority.

    He cited the Constitution in his defense.

  2. to mention in support, proof, or confirmation; refer to as an example.

    He cited many instances of abuse of power.

  3. to summon officially or authoritatively to appear in court.

  4. to call to mind; recall.

    citing my gratitude to him.

  5. Military. to mention (a soldier, unit, etc.) in orders, as for gallantry.

  6. to commend, as for outstanding service, hard work, or devotion to duty.

  7. to summon or call; rouse to action.


cite 2 American  
[sahyt] / saɪt /

noun

  1. citation.


cite British  
/ saɪt /

verb

  1. to quote or refer to (a passage, book, or author) in substantiation as an authority, proof, or example

  2. to mention or commend (a soldier, etc) for outstanding bravery or meritorious action

  3. to summon to appear before a court of law

  4. to enumerate

    he cited the king's virtues

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • citable adjective
  • citeable adjective
  • citer noun
  • noncitable adjective
  • nonciteable adjective
  • uncitable adjective
  • unciteable adjective
  • uncited adjective

Etymology

Origin of cite1

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin citāre “to hurry, set in motion, summon before a court,” frequentative of ciēre “to move, set in motion”

Origin of cite1

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; by shortening

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ancora cited uncertainty around the equity value and final debt allocation for the planned spinoff of Warner’s cable channels into a separate company as a factor that could change share valuation.

From Los Angeles Times

White House officials had tried to get ahead of Wednesday's report and manage expectations about job creation, citing rising productivity from artificial intelligence advancements.

From Barron's

Nearly all of the parents surveyed report that finding child care is a challenge in some way, with half citing issues with affordability.

From Barron's

The company said residential product sales are expected to increase 10%, citing an “assumed recovery in the power outage environment.”

From MarketWatch

He is also due to receive an inaugural “Undisputed Champion of Coal” award from an industry group, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing unnamed sources.

From MarketWatch